March 21, 2008

Carle Foundation Hospital announces plans to sell Poolside Health and Wellness in Danville

March 21, 2008

Carle Foundation Hospital and the Nelsons have announced plans to sell Poolside Health and Wellness, their fitness facility and pool located in Danville. The WaterWay pool facility was re-established as a joint venture in 2001 with upgrades to the natatorium, as well as the addition of space for retail business, physical therapy and exercise.

Officials at the Urbana-based hospital indicated that they have decided to get out of the fitness business, and noted that the sale has been further prompted by the recent relocation of Carle Therapy Services to renovated space at Carle Clinic-Vermilion.

 "We are looking for a buyer who is interested in maintaining an ongoing fitness and recreational business," said Lynne Barnes, vice president for Clinical Operations at Carle Foundation Hospital. "Many of our members, especially the swimmers, have been enjoying this pool for many years and appreciate a choice in available facilities," she added.

Once a sale occurs, Ms. Barnes assured that arrangements will be made for the continuation of Carle's aquatic therapy program, and those people holding fitness memberships will be handled fairly. Business will continue as usual during the sales process. 

Poolside opened as a joint venture with Nelson's WaterWay to provide aquatic rehabilitation and other specialty therapeutic services in conjunction with the

development of a new community health and fitness facility. At that time, Carle Foundation Hospital invested significant funds to transform the natatorium and to build a large addition to create an outstanding facility for water and land rehabilitation and exercise. The Nelsons remain a minority owner in the facility.